Essex County Housing Unit Occupancy Statistics

A housing unit is a space where Essex County residents live—such as a house, an apartment, a mobile home or trailer, or other forms of living quarters. The people who occupy a housing unit form a household.

The American Community Survey (ACS), conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, publishes detailed estimates about Essex County housing each year. Unlike the Census—which is an exact count of people and households every ten years—ACS statistics are estimated based on a representative survey sample.

This report uses ACS 5-year estimates for Essex County housing data, rather than single-year periods. The 5-year estimates provide greater geographical granularity and accuracy, with a less granular time period.

How has the number of housing units changed over time in Essex County, New York?

How many housing units in Essex County, New York are owner- or renter-occupied?

A housing unit's occupants may be its owners or renters. The term tenure refers to this distinction.

How do the size of households and housing units vary by tenure in Essex County, New York?

What do Essex County housing units use for heating fuel?

The most commonly-used heating sources are utility gas and electricity. The chart below breaks down Essex County housing units by these sources.

The next chart shows Essex County housing units by less commonly-used heating fuels and other sources. (Note the scale is different from the chart above.)

How many Essex County housing units lack plumbing or kitchens?

The ACS asks questions about the presence of hot and cold running water, a bathtub or shower, a sink with a faucet, a stove or range, and a refrigerator to create statistics about indicators of housing quality. Federal and local governments in Essex County and New York use these estimates to identify areas eligible for housing assistance, rehabilitation loans, and other programs that help people access and afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing. Essex County public health officials may also use this information to locate areas in danger of ground water contamination and waterborne diseases.

While the presence of these facilities in the home has increased over time, there are still areas in Essex County where they are not available. Individual items (hot and cold running water, etc.) are asked about separately on the ACS to allow housing analysts to evaluate individual indicators of housing quality, and determine which items are lacking in particular areas.